Callum Smith called out by dangerous Russian champion Dmitry Bivol after win over George Groves
Bivol holds the WBA light-heavyweight title, Smith has the WBA super-middleweight belt
Callum Smith has been publicly called out by Russian light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, following his win over George Groves last week.
The Liverpudlian stopped his fellow Brit with a brutal, seventh-round pummelling to claim the WBA super-middleweight title, as well as the Ring Magazine belt and WBSS trophy, on Friday night in Saudi Arabia.
Amid all the talk of what’s next, Smith told he would one day like to move up in weight and face Bivol, who is now the WBA light-heavyweight king.
The 28-year-old was beaten by the Russian in a 2012 amateur competition before turning professional, and said he would be interested in one day getting revenge.
However, Dmitry Bivol has responded by publicly calling for the fight to happen sooner rather than later, declaring that he is ready to move down in weight to challenge his former foe.
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“I welcome Callum Smith’s words about his wish to avenge his loss in the amateurs,” Bivol said on Twitter.
“My goal didn’t change – big fights, great challenges, exciting battles.
“I’m ready to take on Smith not only in light-heavyweight but in super-middleweight also.”
Bivol is 14-0 (11 KOs) as a pro and picked up his world title after just eleven fights.
He’d previously had 283 bouts as an amateur – winning 268 and losing 15.
It appears the Russian will fight a Smith next (but not Callum Smith) as he is likely to face America’s Joe Smith Jr in November.